Draw Strength from the Book of Mormon

By Ruth B. Wright

Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

(Adapted from an October 1990 general conference address. See Ensign, November 1990, pages 78–79.)

We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God (A of F 1:8).

On the walls of our Primary office hang pictures, drawn by children around the world, of great leaders and events from the Book of Mormon. As I look at these drawings, the examples of noble prophets and leaders give me strength to face challenges in my own life.

One picture is of Lehi. With complete faith that the Lord would guide him, Lehi turned from the comfort of his home and began his journey into the wilderness, facing an unknown future. When the unknown looms ahead of me, I gain strength by remembering Lehi.

As I look at Nephi building a ship, I can imagine what might have gone through his mind: “How can I do this? I don’t know anything about building a ship.” Instead, he faced his challenge with courage. When tasks seem impossible, I think of courageous Nephi.

I love to look, too, at the picture of King Benjamin standing on the tower with his loving arms outstretched to his people. This beloved king willingly admitted his weaknesses. “I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind” (Mosiah 2:11). When I feel overwhelmed with my own weaknesses, I think of King Benjamin and try again.

As I look at the picture of Christ appearing to the Nephites, I remember that he “took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them” (3 Ne. 17:21). When I read that passage, I am filled to overflowing with the love Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father have for me and you and the whole world.

I testify that by prayerfully reading the Book of Mormon, each of us can gain strength to meet our daily challenges.

Zeffrin Vincent, age 5, Cape Town, South Africa

Thomas D. Aaron, age 11, Riverdale, Utah

Talita Silveira Cuelar, age 9, São Paulo, Brazil

Christine Rae Gardner, age 12, Mesa, Arizona